- Hiking
17 Best Fire Lookout Hikes in Washington State
Some of the most popular trails in Washington are Fire Lookout Hikes. With just about 80 standing fire lookouts left in Washington, you truly have your pick of epic hikes to choose from. Once used to look for forest fires, these fire lookouts are now a popular hiking destination. Whether you’re chasing a moderate hike like Fremont Lookout, a short hike like High Rock Lookout, or a difficult hike like Mount Pilchuck, there is a fire lookout hike for everyone.
I have been hiking all across Washington in my mission to hike all “100 Classic Hikes of Washington”. In traveling all around Washington, I have come across a fair share of historic fire lookout towers and I am excited to share my top picks with you in this blog post. While some of the fire lookouts consist of beautifully restored fire lookout towers, others are but a platform.
The good thing about Washington Fire lookouts is that they needed to have panoramic views of the surrounding area. This means you can count on reaching some of the best views above the tree line in Washington state. So without further ado, this is a working guide to some of the best Washington fire lookout hikes.
Guide to the Best Fire Lookout Hikes in Washington State
People flock to the Pacific Northwest in the summer to complete Washington’s Fire Lookout Hikes and with good reason. These historic fire lookouts are perched on various high points throughout the state offering panoramic views to search for fires before manned forest fire spotting became obsolete. Now, visitors can hike to and camp at some of the remaining fire lookouts.
While there are about 80 remaining fire lookouts in Washington, here are the 17 best fire lookout hikes to add to your summer bucket list. I have included a Google map of all of the hikes on this list below.
Before hitting the trail:
- Check weather conditions
- Be aware of forest fires in the area
- Make sure you have prior permits and be aware of any extra cost involved in hiking these trails
- Pack the Ten Essentials
17 Bucket List Fire Lookout Hikes in Washington
Mount Adams
Distance: 12.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 6,700 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Permit/Pass: Mt. Adams Climbing Activity Pass (for summits and obtainable on recreation.gov) or Northwest Forest Pass (for recreating below 7,000 feet). You must also fill out a Wilderness Permit which is available for free at the trailhead.
Camping: Cold Springs Campground is located just past the trailhead. Morrison Creek Campground is located 3 miles south of the trailhead on the road that you’ll take to get there.
Overnight Use: Unavailable
The Mount Adams Fire Lookout is one for the books. For hikers looking for a challenging trek with 360-degree views of the Cascade Mountains, this one is for you. On a clear day, Mount Hood, Mount Rainier, and Mount St. Helens can all be spotted from this historic fire lookout tower. While you cannot stay overnight in this fire lookout, take a moment to appreciate the people that were able to for weeks and months at a time during wildfire season.
Heybrook Lookout
Distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 850 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Permit/Pass: None
Camping: While there currently aren’t any restrictions for camping at the trailhead, the parking lot is located immediately off of US 2 which may invite unwanted attention. There is no privacy and no toilet at the trailhead. Money Creek campground is located 9 miles away and reservations can be made on recreation.gov.
Overnight Use: You can make a reservation to sleep at the tower for $75 per night on recreation.gov. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/269838
The Heybrook Lookout Hike is a phenomenal, family-friendly trail off of US 2. Drive carefully as you approach the trailhead or you might miss parking which is on the side of the road. This trail is great for meandering through old-growth forests before reaching the final ascent up to the fire lookout tower. There are picnic tables at the base of the tower which are great for anyone wanting to have a picnic or not interested in climbing the 4 flights of stairs to the viewing area.
High Rock Lookout
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,365 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit/Pass: None
Camping: Located on a forest service road, you are allowed to camp at the trailhead. In addition, there are plenty of open areas on this road near the trailhead that you can camp at.
Overnight Use: Unavailable
High Rock Lookout is known for being the “dog-friendly” Mount Rainier Lookout Hike. Since dogs are not allowed inside Mount Rainier, this hike offers phenomenal views of the mountain and the surrounding mountains on a clear day. This is a challenging hike even for its short distance to the lookout. However, even with the steep ascent, it is the perfect trail to catch sunrise or sunset.
The lookout is currently in the process of being restored. After it was decommissioned for use as an active fire lookout in Washington, it sustained vandalism. All that remains right now is the platform, which is still worth the visit.
Kelly Butte
Distance: 3.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit/Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Camping: Located off of forest service roads, there are plenty of places to camp along the way.
Overnight Use: Unavailable
The summit of Kelly Butte has spectacular views of the Cascade Foothills. It boasts one of the best views with little effort. Be sure to hike this trail on a clear day to see views of Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams. This trail is most popular in the summer months, but if you’re looking for a snowshoe route, this trail is still accessible in the winter, however you will have to add about three miles roundtrip to get to the fire lookout! This Washington fire lookout was recently restored too!
Hidden lake Lookout
Distance: 8.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,300 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Permit/Pass: None
Camping: Marble Creek Campground is nearby. The forest service road that leads to the trailhead has no open areas available for dispersed camping.
Overnight Use: Available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Be prepared to share the space with other hikers as it’s a popular destination. Dr. Darvill originally led restoration efforts on the tower for historical purposes, not intending on it becoming a shelter. Please respect the hard work and dedication put into restoring this historic landmark. Consider leaving a donation ($15-$25) at the tower to cover costs for the current crew led by Robert Kendall.
This strenuous trail in North Cascades National Park brings you to an old fire lookout that looks over Hidden Lake. This is a bucket list trail in the Pacific Northwest. As one of the more strenuous hikes on this list, be aware that you need to carry the ten essentials of hiking on this trail, carry extra water, and bring extra layers. At the high elevation of this trail even on a warm day the wind can be extremely cold.
Mount Pilchuck
Distance: 5.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Permit/Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Camping: Nearby campgrounds include Turlo, Verlot, Hemple Creek, and Gold Basin campgrounds.
Overnight Use: Currently Unavailable
Mount Pilchuck is a highly trafficed fire lookout in Mount Pilchuck State Park. The hiking trail is open for day use only as of 2023 and the road has been under construction as of 2023 making the trail only accessible from the Heather Lake parking lot which is a couple miles short from the official Mount Pilchuck Trailhead. The trail begins with a gentle grade and becomes steeper the closer you get to the lookout. The last scramble to the fire lookout is across boulder fields.
While many people bring their dogs on the trail, it is close to impossible for dogs to cross the boulder field. Many people leave their dogs at the base of the boulder field, which I would not recommend.
At the base of a large boulder is the ladder to the fire lookout which has been beautifully refurbished with maps of the surrounding peaks and a trail book! Don’t forget to sign!
Red Top Lookout
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Permit/Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Camping: Located on a forest service road, there should be plenty of spaces to dispersed camp.
Overnight Use: Unavailable
Red Top Lookout is another short and spicey fire lookout hike. Don’t let the short distance fool you, you’re still gaining significant elevation. Don’t worry however, because there are benches placed throughout the trail! Outside of Cle Elum, this is a great trail to hit on a road trip through Washington. This trail boasts some of the best views of Mount Stuart in the state. Add this to your list for this summer!
Tolmie Peak Lookout
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit/Pass: National Park Pass
Camping: There is no dispersed camping allowed in Mount Rainier National Park. Campgrounds within the park include Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, White River, and Mowich Lake (primitive walk-ups only).
Overnight Use: Unavailable
Tolmie Peak is an extremely popular fire lookout trail in the summer months. Chances are if you’ve seen a beautiful sunset Reel or TikTok with a view of Mount Rainier from a lookout, it was Tolmie Peak Lookout. This is a moderate hike on the outskirts of Mt. Rainier National Park. The last short section of the hike up to the lookout from the lake is a steep climb, but absolutely worth it!
Fun Fact: I popped my tire with a large embedded rock driving up this forest service road to the trailhead. Thankful to have a spare that was able to make it back down the road. The forest service road is a very long gravel road, so drive with caution.
West and Oregon butte
Distance: 6.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit/Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Camping: Located on a forest service road, there are plenty of open spaces on the way available for dispersed camping. Camping at the trailhead is allowed with a fee of $5 per night per vehicle.
Overnight Use: Unavailable
West and Oregon Butte is one of my favorite trails in Southeast Washington. The panoramic views above the treeline are spectacular. I found the trail to be rather moderate. Keep in mind that this area was part of a forest fire so some of the areas you hike through are in a growth phase. It is still extremely beautiful. Make sure to have offline maps as you drive to the trailhead. There are a number of unmarked roads that turn off of the main forest service road and it can be a little challenging to know which direction you should go otherwise. The parking lot is large with a pit toilet and picnic benches which was great for a post-hike beer.
There are TONS of dispersed campsites along this forest service road. I highly recommend making an overnight camping trip out of this trek. If you choose to do that please follow fire regulations and leave no trace principles.
Green Mountain Lookout
Distance: 8.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,300 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Permit/Pass: None
Camping: Located on a forest service road, there are many places to dispersed camp on the way to the trailhead. Buck Creek Campground and Sulphur Creek Campground are located nearby on Forest Road 26. (You’ll be on forest road 26 before turning onto Road 2680 which leads to the trailhead.)
Overnight Use: Unavailable
Green Mountain is one of the many 100 Classic Hikes of Washington on this list. It is also one of my favorites on this list of the best fire lookout hikes in washington state. In the fall months, this trail turns into a gorgeous display of fall colors that paint the sides of the mountain. You can catch glimpses of Mount Baker on various points of the trail which is always a beautiful sight.
Take note that the forest road leading to the trailhead is not for the faint of heart. Drive cautiously and look ahead for cars driving in the opposite direction as there are very few places where two cars can pass by each other without feeling like one of the cars is going to fall off the edge….it is very fun!
Lookout Mountain
Distance: 9.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Permit/Pass: None
Camping: The parking lot for Lookout Mountain is small. There aren’t any restrictions for camping at the trailhead at this time, but be aware that the lot is located immediately off of Cascade River Road and there is no privacy or toilet. Marble Creek Campground is nearby.
Overnight Use: First Come, First Serve
Lookout Mountain is a HARD hike, not just in distance but in elevation gain. Due to the difficulty of this hike it is very possible that you will have the fire lookout on the summit to yourself. At the high point you can see Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan and the surrounding North Cascades. This is a beautiful lookout to stay at overnight which would break-up the difficultly of the trail substantially. Please note, as it is first-come, first-serve, you do not need to share the lookout with people who get there after you.
Hot Tip: If you don’t want to deal with the crowds of Sahale Arm and Cascade Pass, this is the trail for you.
Park Butte Lookout
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Permit/Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Camping: Kulshan, Bayview, and Lower Sandy campgrounds are nearby. You will take a long stretch of forest service roads to reach the trailhead which will likely have spots to dispersed camp along the way.
Overnight Use: First Come, First Serve camping is available. This is a very popular destination for camping so expect to share the space with others(or don’t if you’re first).
If you do any hike on this list, make it is Park Butte Lookout. Located in the National Forest surrounding Mount Baker, once you break the tree line, you’re surrounded by epic views of the North Cascades. The lookout tower is located on the high point of a protruding rock. As you hike in the lower basin, the lookout stands prominently in front of you. The steep ascent brings you to this epic lookout. Since you can stay overnight at this lookout, be aware that is it first-come, first-serve. There are surrounding campsites outside of the fire lookout, but many people seak after the opportunity to stay inside this fire lookout.
Be kind, be courteous, but overall, enjoy this phenomenal fire lookout trail.
Evergreen Mountain Lookout
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,425 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit/Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Camping Nearby: There is a long stretch of forest service roads that may have open areas for dispersed camps.
Overnight Use: Available on Recreation.gov. Reservations open in February. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234178
If you’re someone that will drive hours for a short trail, this is for you. The almost 20 miles for forest service roads take over an hour to get to the trailhead. However, this trail fully encompasses the beauty of the central cascades. Consider hiking this trail on a very clear day to get the full views of the surrounding mountains from this historic fire lookout. For a beautiful, colorful display of fall colors, wait until the fall to see the blueberry bushes.
Important things to note are that the road to the trailhead is closed due to fallen trees. You can still hike the trail but will be adding miles to your trek. You will not be able to stay overnight at the lookout as they complete repairs.
Fremont Lookout
Distance: 5.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit/Pass: National Park Pass
Camping: Dispersed camping is not allowed within Mount Rainier National Park. Available campsites in the park include Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, White River, and Mowich Lake (primitive walk-ups only).
Overnight Use: Unavailable
Fremont Lookout is one of the best moderate fire lookout hikes in Mount Rainier National Park. It is perfect for sunrise or sunset as the wide trail is easy to follow even in low light…you should still pack your headlamp though! The panoramic views of Mount Rainier are breathtaking at sunset. The inner part of the lookout is closed, however you can still walk around the lookout. The trail branches off from Burroughs Mountain Trail which I highly recommend as a non-fire lookout trail.
Shriner Peak
Distance: 8.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,434 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Permit/Pass: None
Camping: Ohanapecosh campsite is relatively close. This is the only nearby option.
Overnight Use: Unavailable. There are wilderness sites next to the tower which is a great option!
This is a great early summer hike for viewing wildflowers around Mount Rainier. While a popular trail, this is no parking lot, you just park on the side of the road. Make sure you stop at one of the roadside stops on the way to the trail beforehand since there is no bathroom. The trail is shaded for most of the trail which is great for warmer summer days when you want to avoid direct sunlight. It is only within about the last mile that you receive full sun exposure. It is a narrow trail with plenty of switchbacks and no water sources so bring plenty with you!
Granite Mountain Lookout
Distance: 8.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,800 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Permit/Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Camping: Denny Creek and Tinkham campgrounds are nearby. There aren’t any restrictions for camping at the trailhead at the moment but this is an extremely popular trail. There is a chance you could be asked to leave if you have a large camping setup.
Overnight Use: Unavailable
Granite Mountain Lookout holds a special place in my heart because I hiked the trail to see the Persied Meteor Shower in 2023. The lookout is in disrepair so you cannot go inside of the tower but you can still sit underneath it and enjoy the beautiful views of the Snoqualmie Area. This is a steep trail where the final ascent is up a large boulder field. There are two routes to the top but only one official route. If you do not have climbing or bouldering experience I would stick to the official route.
There are some backcountry campsites at the base of the boulder field on Granite Mountain!
Winchester Mountain - TWin Lakes
Distance: 2.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Permit/Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Overnight Use: First Come, First Serve inside of the lookout. There are a couple of tent sights surrounding the lookout.
If you’re trying to stay in one of Washington’s fire lookouts, add this to the list. Winchester Mountain is a phenomenal short and spicey trail that overlooks twin lakes. Twin Lakes Road is infamous for the terrible gravel road leading to the trailhead. To avoid hitting some of the gigantic potholes on the forest service road, many people opt to park at the Yellow Aster Butte trailhead making the hike to the top of Winchester Mountain 5 miles one way.
Other Noteable Washington Fire Lookout Hikes
North Mountain Lookout
Glacier Peak
Columbia Mountain
Mount Index
What to Pack for Your Fire Lookout Hike
- Hiking Boots: Many fire lookout trails are rocky. Hiking boots will help protect your feet! My favorite boots are the Oboz Bridgers.
- Wool Socks: Wool socks will help prevent blisters.
- Water: Since many lookouts are located on a high point, there is little water available along the trail. Pack in lots of water.
- Sunscreen: Fire lookouts are located on exposed areas in the mountains, making you more susceptible to burning.
- Day Pack: Get yourself a comfortable day pack for long days on the trail. I use the Osprey Tempest.
- First Aid Kit: Always pack a first aid kit with emergency supplies and any medication that you might need.
- Headlamp: Hiking to a fire lookout during sunrise or sunset is, in my opinion, the best way to do them. Bring a headlamp like the Black Diamond Spot.
- Rain Jacket: Weather can change quickly in Washington. Bring a rain jacket just in case. Also, if there are a million mosquitos on the trail, rain jackets will prevent bits. I love the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Shell.
- Snacks: Bring plenty of food on the trial! Between the exertion and the sun, you will burn lots of calories. Avoid feeling sick on the trail by bringing protein-packed snacks.
Pack It Up
Washington’s Fire Lookout Hikes are going to become your favorite hikes in the state. Whether you’re seeking a short hike like Heybrook Lookout and want to spend the night in Park Butte, these trails are popular for a reason, they’re spectacular. These are some of the best fire lookout hikes in Washington State, but there are so many more out there to explore.
If you want to look at a complete list of Fire Lookouts in Washington, click here.
As always, leave no trace at these beautiful sites. Preservation of these historic fire lookouts is a community effort and you can help!
Enjoy these beautiful trails and happy hiking!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
